ONE HOUSE A DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21336, 6 February 1941, Page 6

ONE HOUSE A DAY

COTTAGES FOR FARMS BUILDING TO MEET NEEDS LARGE AREA SUPPLIED Residents who pass the Public Works Department’s premises in Knox Street have shown interest in the activities of a large party of carpenters engaged in erecting small cottages. These buildings are specially designed to meet the needs on many farms for accommodation for farm workers, both married and single. The department was entrusted with the task of supplying suitable buildings, and when the designs had been approved a start was made in various centres to supply the need. Hamilton was chosen as a site to supply the large area ranging from Mercer to Otorohanga, and from Raglan to Tokoroa, and for many weeks the workmen have been busily employed. Production was somewhat slow at first, but today the output is a at least one complete unit each working day. Two types of quarters are made, one for married couples and the other for single men. The married quarters are approximately 30ft. by 9ft., and match-lined. There is a kitchen and two bedrooms, a washhouse with copper and tubs, and a coal range. Water tanks are provided for, but if there is water readily obtainable at a farm a high-pressure system can be installed instead of the tanks. Single Men’s Units The single men’s quarters are approximately 10ft. by Bft. and reasonably well equipped for comfort and convenience. In neither type has any expensive equipment been installed, the idea being to provide a unit that would be within the means of the farmer. The whole job is built in the department’s yard in Knox Street, and then assembled in sections ready to erect on the farm. It is sent to its destination by road or rail, whichever is most convenient, and it can be readily completed ready for occupation within three days of arrival on the site. The farmer pays 5s a week as rent for the married quarters, but it is understood the single quarters may be purchased outright by the farmer. Up to the end of December, 1940, the total number of buildings erected for the Hamilton district was 116. In January 29 were added, bringing the total to 145 married quarters, while to this total has to be added 26 single men’s quarters.